Yucca Mountain - Nuclear Waste Disposal in the U.S.

In 1955 the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission began the process to evaluate disposal methods for radioactive wastes. Billions of dollars and almost 50 years later, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is focused on disposing nuclear wastes 300 m (1000 feet) below the surface of Yucca Mountain, Nevada. The following sections briefly address the issues, past and present, dealing with geologic sequestration at Yucca Mountain.

Who is involved?
Many groups of people are involved in the project: national governmental agencies, local and state government agencies, local civic groups, and national environmental groups.

A sketch of the final site design. Source

How will the facility be designed?
The final site design will consist of a large above ground facility as well as 100 miles of tunnels 1000 feet below the surface.

What has happened so far?
The Nuclear Waste Policy Act initiated the project in 1982, and since then significant strides have been taken to evaluate the feasibility of the project.

What are the risks?

What is the future of Yucca Mountain?
Once the final legal and regulatory steps are taken, the structure must still be constructed, filled, and finally reclaimed.